A student hands a paper to Stephanie Morgado, a Mare Island Technology Academy science teacher, who has been awarded a Dow_NSTA fellowship for next year. Morgado found a new 'world' after changing from an engineering major to astrophysics and eventually, into her new vocation of teaching science. (Mike Jory/Times-Herald)

When Stephanie Morgado took a random education class as a college freshmen, she thought it was just a quick way to earn a few credits toward graduation.

The class called for some student teaching, an unplanned event that changed the course of Morgado's studies -- and her life.

"I really loved it," said Morgado, now a science teacher at Mare Island Technology Academy in North Vallejo.

The 24-year-old native of Southern California never finished the degree in civil engineering she initially sought, instead leaving the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in astrophysics and the first teaching credential awarded through Cal Teach, Berkeley's accelerated training program for would-be math and science teachers.

Morgado joined the MIT staff last January, teaching a variety of science classes, including astronomy. MIT Director Matt Smithh said Morgado has since become somewhat of a leader on campus.

Among Morgado's projects was joining a team of teachers who spearheaded a partnership with the Solano Land Trust, allowing MIT students to visit Lynch Canyon, plant native trees and hike through the canyon trails.

"I get to do some of the things I love with the kids," said Morgado, herself an avid hiker and camper.

Fresh out of college, Morgado energetically pursues various projects, including advising MIT's new Gay-Straight Alliance and having her students install plants on campus. She has also applied to and been awarded a Dow-NSTA fellowship -- one of just 217 science teachers nationwide.

Though Morgado initially came to Vallejo for a job, she has since made a home for herself at MIT.